Dried shelled beans market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the dried shelled bean market in South Africa saw steady growth, with production volume increasing from 2.9 million metric tons to over 3.6 million metric tons. This expansion was supported by consistent producer prices that encouraged planting, while a government Market Access rebate scheme guaranteed annual imports of approximately 11,000 tons to supplement domestic supply. Over the same period, export volumes rose significantly, reflecting a stronger international position for South African beans.

After reaching a peak in 2021, production and total market volume experienced a modest contraction in 2022 before rebounding in 2023. The market's overall value followed a similar trend, reaching a high of $2.3 billion in 2022. Throughout these years, import volumes continued to decline as domestic output became more central to meeting local demand.

The market landscape evolved in 2024 with the acquisition of Pannar’s dry bean seed business by AGT Foods Africa, a move that expanded the availability of locally adapted seed varieties. This consolidation occurred alongside a 13.3% increase in prices received by farmers, indicating robust demand and a focus on enhancing supply chain capabilities to serve the market.

Production dried shelled beans in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

SADC's dried shelled beans production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 188 K t, marking a gradual year-on-year uptick of 5.3%. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 2 867 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 11.5%. The following year, 2019, recorded the largest increase at 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Dried shelled beans production in SADC has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 056 M $ US, showing a slight advance of 0.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 1 744 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 15.6%. In 2019, production saw the largest increase of 16.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dried shelled beans from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

SADC's volume of dried shelled beans exports has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 160.7 K t, representing a significant uptick of 27.2% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.3 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 21.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations for SADC's dried shelled beans exports in kind. India accounted for 31.1% of exports, Vietnam for 14.6%, and the United Arab Emirates for 8.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 54.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Dried shelled beans shipments from SADC to abroad have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totalled 103.6 M $ US, up by 21.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8.5%, with an annualized rate of 2.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 72.0 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of SADC's dried shelled beans exports in value terms was highly diversified. India led with 31.5% of exports, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 8.5%, and Vietnam at 7.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 47.6% of total flows, while a long tail of smaller markets made up the remaining 52.4%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled beans to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Dried shelled beans deliveries to SADC have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, SADC imported 69.7 K t, which is 14.6% lower compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 57.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada, China, and Ethiopia were the key partners for SADC's imports of dried shelled beans in kind. Canada accounted for 44.8% of imports, China for 5.6%, and Ethiopia for 3.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 54.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, dried shelled beans imports into SADC have increased. In 2020, imports totalled 91.4 M $ US, up by 3.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 36.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 88.5 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 21.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, China, and the United States led the structure of SADC's dried shelled beans imports in value terms. Canada accounted for 47.3% of imports, China for 6.9%, and the United States for 3.7%. Together, these three countries represented 57.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020